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The value of honesty is all too often overlooked, in daily life and, most certainly, in song writing. It's not enough for Val Emmich to wear his heart on his sleeve; what he feels isn't merely on display. This isn't the uncomfortable scenario of watching a stranger experience the highs and lows of growing up. Instead, Emmich's moods are so palpable to the point of pulling you back to moments in your own story. This isn't a record to be treated as appropriate background music. This album is a shared experienced between Emmich and the listener.

"When I Grow Up (Prologue)" begins Aide Memoire the way we all start our journey- with naïve hopes and dreams, a childlike determination to better the world around us, unknowing and unwilling to recognize the many paths to becoming jaded. The next few songs confront a much more hash reality, and a less optimistic outlook emerges. By "Galoshes On A Sunny Day," Emmich trades in those early feelings of eagerness for precaution. There are recurring themes of loneliness, from which springs the desire for truth and a connection, genuine or not. Also explored and captured well is the confusion and frustration we all face. This push and pull is responsible for the unsettling acceptance that our interactions and how we internalize those struggles can shatter our hopeful expectations.

But it is fitting that Emmich would end the record by following a song titled, "When Does The Pain Stop?" with closer "There's A Hope." Ultimately, that thing inside of us as children, that driving force to do good, to be someone, to affect not only the people around us but anyone we can, the world if possible, doesn't disappear behind the clouds. Emmich reminds us all throughout Aide Memoire there's nothing wrong with wearing galoshes every day, as long as you remember to enjoy the sun. As the last lines say, "I get so much love in this little life, giving some back is only right."

If you're reading this, it may be because you've possibly listened to the previews of Val Emmich's latest album "Aide Memoire" and now deciding if you should download it or wait until the next one. It sounds different than what you're used to from him, which may prompt some hesitation. That's understandable. I've had the album for a little while now, and I've listened to it through many times. And I can honestly say...it's worth every penny.

The best way to describe Val Emmich's new album "Aide Memoire" is that it brings you through a story as only Val could tell (one that might be hard to follow if you've only listened to the previews). It's definitely a different direction than his last few albums but this just proves that he keeps evolving. I'm a big fan of good sounding drums so if you are too, you'll love the backing pounding drums on "Wooly Mammoths". Even the way he sings some of the songs is more varied than it's ever been (comparing "When I Grow Up" to "A Punch"). Still, this album has everything from lighter songs with "Galoshes On A Sunny Day" to rockers like "Sour" and "I Like The Way You Sound" after its slower intro. The album's closer, "There's A Hope" has an epic build up and packs a lot of feeling behind it, one that will stay with you as Val has been known to do in previous album closers.

Overall, it's definitely worth getting. Also, if you see Val is performing live around where you are, I highly recommend seeing him as these songs sound even better live and just in general he puts on a great show.

I've been listening to Val's music for over 6 years now - I discovered his music though his profile on myspace and bought every album ever since. With the music on "Aide Memoire" Val prooves his songwriting talent once again. I can't really tell which VE album is my favorite but this is definitiely the most personal record he has ever released. Not only that it's inspired by a very personal and important experience in life - Val recorded this album completely live, without using any auto-tune effetcs - honest and direct - which shows his enormous talent once again and makes this record so special. I love the lyrics & sound of "Aide Memoire" - and even though the album has been recorded within only one week I think this is Val's strongest work yet. A must-have for everyone who's into good & handmade tunes. Best tracks on the album: Experts, I Like The Way You Sound & When Does The Pain Stop (and while writing this I notice once again how hard it is to pick just a few fave tracks... same with every VE album....)

Aide Memoire is the brilliant new album from uber-talented singer/songwriter, Val Emmich and his new band, The Veeries. This album takes you on a musical journey through the struggles of growing older while still trying to find your place in the world. Val's heartfelt lyrics capture the raw emotion that comes with such a difficult internal conflict, while the outstanding guitar-work and flow of the songs put the listener in the center of the storm. Through the unique method of recording the album, Val and the band also managed to do an excellent job of capturing the energy and feel of a live show, further enshrining this album as a masterpiece and perhaps the best album of 2011. This is definitely a must-have for fans of great songwriting and Rock music.

Whether you have been listening to Val for years or this is your first time, you will love this album. There's no way not to. It is personal and raw and beautiful, the way all music should be. Every song hits you lyrically and musically. All I can say is that it is so so so good. Buy it, you won't be sorry.